I’ll be honest: when I was deciding which islands to visit in Greece, I eventually picked Milos almost entirely because I wanted to visit Sarakiniko Beach. Chances are, you’ve seen this place in photos online. The otherworldly shoreline, sculpted by volcanic rock and centuries of Aegean winds, is the island’s most photographed location—and for good reason!
What is Sarakiniko Beach?
Sarakiniko Beach is often called the “moon beach” of Milos. It’s famous for its chalky white volcanic rocks and surreal landscape with wavy formations. Unlike typical sandy beaches, Sarakiniko’s landscape is made entirely of smooth, bone-white rock, which forms natural inlets, caves, and arches. The deep blue waters contrast perfectly with the glowing white of the beach itself, making it a visual treat. Trust me, you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet!
The beach gets its name from Saracen pirates who are said to have hidden in its many caves during the Middle Ages. Today, it’s one of the island’s biggest draws. I was so excited to visit and Sarakiniko Beach absolutely did not let me down—it’s a must-see stop on any Milos itinerary!
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The Best Time of Day to Visit Sarakiniko Beach
There’s no bad time to visit Sarakiniko Beach, but my personal favorite time is early in the morning! At sunrise, Sarakiniko Beach is virtually empty. The lighting makes the area feel otherworldly and the rocks seem to shift and change as the light gets stronger and brighter. You get to witness the soft pinks of the sky transform into golden light that make the rocks glow in the sun, before finally you reach the clean whites and blues of daylight. I honestly think I could have spent half a day here just exploring all the angles and lighting.
I think the transition from golden hour to sunset is good too, but a bit more crowded as tour groups often stop by in the evening. Plus, Sarakiniko Beach faces north, so you won’t get to see the sun dip into the horizon from the main swimming area.
I least recommend visiting Sarakiniko Beach in the midday, because the sun can be really intense here. There’s zero shade and the entire beach is exposed rock, so it can be crowded, hot, and blinding during the daytime.
Swimming and Exploring at Sarakiniko Beach
To be honest, I’m not much of a beach person—but I could spend hours at Sarakiniko Beach just wandering around. If you’re into swimming, this is a one-of-a-kind experience! The water can be a bit choppy at times, but there are calm pockets between the rocks that are perfect for dipping.
If you’re the adventurous type, the deep water makes Sarakiniko Beach ideal for cliff jumping. However, you should be extremely cautious about doing so, since there aren’t any lifeguards and the water depth varies considerably based on the tide.
Because the beach doesn’t have soft sand or lounge chairs, many visitors come prepared with towels or yoga mats to make their own setup on the smooth rock shelves. It might not be the most convenient place to sunbathe, and there are no facilities, but it’s such an iconic spot!
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Preparing for Your Visit
Located on the north shore of Milos, Sarakiniko Beach is about a 10-minute drive from the port town of Adamas and easily accessible by car or ATV. It’s very easy to visit from pretty much anywhere on Milos because it’s almost perfectly centrally located. I always recommend having a rental car in Milos because taxis are almost nonexistent and the bus service is extremely limited from Adamas.
If you’re driving, there’s a small parking lot about a 5-minute walk from the beach entrance. It fills up quickly in the summer, so arrive early. Admission to Sarakiniko Beach is free, so once you set foot on the milky white rocks, you’re free to explore!
There are basically no amenities on Sarakiniko Beach—no restrooms, changing rooms, rental facilities, or food options. I’ve heard people say that a small canteen occasionally operates during high season, but if you’re there are sunrise like we were, there will definitely be nothing. Make sure to pack your towels, water, sunscreen, hat, and snacks—and come dressed in your swimsuit because there’s nowhere to change (and nowhere to hide!)
Is Sarakiniko Beach Worth Visiting?
Oh yes, absolutely. Whether you’re just spending a weekend on Milos or island-hopping on a long-term adventure in the Cyclades, Sarakiniko Beach is 100% a bucket list destination. Even in a country where there are so many beautiful islands and landscapes, Sarakiniko is unlike anything else in Greece.
Even though Sarakiniko Beach has been growing in popularity, it still retains a magical and raw feel that I adore. If you’re planning a trip to Milos, this beach should be at the top of your list.
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